The UNCW Public History Preservation Squad:

Run or Walk in Support of Historic Preservation

Students, parents, alumni, faculty, and friends: Would you dress as a building and run 3.1 miles or walk one mile to raise awareness for the importance of historic preservation? We would! And we hope you’ll join us.

The UNCW Public History Program announces its effort to help the Historic Wilmington Foundation to “protect and preserve the irreplaceable historic resources of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear Region” by participating in the Race For Preservation 5K as a costumed group of walkers and runners.

If you cannot participate on September 12, you can still support the Preservation Squad and Historic Wilmington Foundation with a donation. Public History Director Tammy Gordon is raffling the right to determine her race costume. For a chance to have her run through the streets of Wilmington dressed as the building of your choice, make a donation to HWF at Dr. Gordon's Crowdrise Fundraising Site.

To join the fun and become part of the UNCW Public History Program Preservation Squad, here is what to do:

1. Come up with a costume depicting a building/structure (like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cameron Art Museum, the Empire State Building, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthplace, the Taj Mahal, or the Statue of Liberty), an architectural movement (such as Greek Revival or Art Nouveau), or a type of building/structure (like Rosenwald schools or covered bridges).

2. Contact one of the Preservation Squad’s organizers, either Tammy Gordon at gordont@uncw.edu or Nick Monroe at nam8547@uncw.edu, before Monday, September 9 to let them know you’d like to join as a costumed runner or walker. Tell them the building your costume depicts, its location, and the year(s) in which the structure was built. When we have this information, we can make a sign to attach to the back of the costume. Remember, the point is to remind people of the many important historical structures saved through human effort.

3. Don’t forget to register for the race! Register as an individual, not as a team (we just won’t be competitive when wearing costumes). The cost is $27, which includes the race, a t-shirt (if you register before August 29), and beer and pizza at the finish line. Proceeds support the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Before race day, pick up your race packet at one of the locations listed on the race site.

4. Assemble at the start line at the Coastline Convention Center at 5:45pm on September 12 to get your sign and pose for photos (which we’ll submit to the Best Race Costumes web site; their Buildings/Structures section is rather thin). Walkers will also get a basket of give-aways to distribute to spectators along the mile route. Look for Nick and Tammy in the starting line area.

5. Enjoy the race, the beer and pizza, and the opportunity to help the Historic Wilmington Foundation.

Helpful Links

Your donations are greatly appreciated and help us to increase the support for students, faculty, academic programs, research, regional engagement, and global outreach to achieve excellence in all aspects of the UNCW experience.